Perfect 5 – the Perfect Companion

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Penny Haren

Its Sew Emma has created the perfect companion to the Creative Grids® Perfect 10 Quilt Ruler – the Perfect 5. This little sister was designed to sub-cut and trim those five inch squares – and fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. It even has a diagonal line to square up half square triangles. Versatility is the key

They have designed FIVE new Cut Loose Press™ patterns to showcase the features of this ruler. All of these quilts measure between 36 and 56 inches. My first reaction? Why not start a class and call it Oh baby! Every one of these projects is perfect for a baby/toddler quilt.

Wayside #CLPISE021

Charm Pack Stones #CLPISE020

Bluebird #CLPISE022

Butterfly Patch #CLPISE018

Cotton Candy #CLPISE019

AND, they can be completed in two to six hours! Everyone needs a stash of baby quilts on hand so the class would appeal to all of your customers. And what a great class for beginners! They can learn a different technique each month and actually finish something beautiful!

Since they are all made with five inch squares, just have a large assortment of pre-cuts available with possible border and binding options. No kitting required!

Offer a discount on backing if they bring their completed top to the next class for show and tell. No UFO’s when they are this fast and fun!

The ruler and Cut Loose Press™ patterns are available now. Perfect 5 Quilts from It’s Sew Emma #ISE-933 – a book that features 17 different quilts using one to four charm packs each – will be in stock next month so pre-order it now!

Dresden Plates Reimagined

Posted on August 11, 2019 by Penny Haren

Candyce Copp Grisham has embraced the traditional Dresden Plate block and added her own spin that elevates it to all new heights!

Her simple instructions and techniques create particularly beautiful Dresden plate blocks. Candyce explores four different edge treatments and twenty-five design elements – all possible in a multitude of sizes. Create one of her patterns or use the book as a launching pad to your own heirloom.

Just look at the possibilities!

And, all of these designs are created with the Creative Grids® 18 degree Dresden Plate ruler!

What a great series of classes!

The Iconic Featherweight

Posted on July 26, 2019 by Penny Haren

Many shops feature Featherweight Clubs or have customers that love them. This new pattern by Laura Heine will have all of those customers smiling! It is due to arrive next month – and is the perfect intro class to this technique if you haven’t already tried it!

Meg Hawkey has recreated America’s favorite machine in embroidery.

And Sew Steady had created an extension table that has artwork that enhances the machine.

And, then there is the classic book – now in its third edition!

Why not set up a display today???

Atkinson Designs

Posted on May 2, 2019 by Penny Haren

The versatility of Terry’s latest patterns says it all! She is so diverse in her talents, whether it is bags, table runners, or sampler quilts, yet as soon as I saw the pics, I knew she designed them.

Letter ZIP! is a perfect example. The name is perfect, the pic draws you in, and the letters make you think of the first or last initial of every friend. After all, we want the cutest letters! And, of course, this is the perfect class to show how to insert those Atkinson zippers the easy way – Terry’s way

Terry’s designs always add that awe factor – just that little something that makes her designs stand out! In Simple Sack, she includes tabs on the sides so the bag will fit on the metal stands at the grocery. And, they collapse for easy storage.

Desert Stars includes two possibilities. Don’t you love the way the stars float into the border???

And then there is her Sampler quilt which includes the cover quilt along with nine projects that expand on the blocks featured in the quilt. The photography is amazing, showing step by step illustrations of many of the techniques explored in the blocks.

I have even heard that this project – which would be a great Block of the Month program for shops – features Creative Grids® rulers! It just gets better and better! Everything is due to arrive in May, just in time for shop hop season!

Negative Space – Explained!

Posted on April 11, 2019 by Penny Haren

In The Quilter’s Negative Space Handbook, Sylvia Schaefer explains the concept of negative space in eight key ways. These simple techniques turn any traditional quilt into a modern version – and I love them all! Here are just a few examples…

Sew simple but sew effective!

Flying Geese Favorites

Posted on April 2, 2019 by Penny Haren

I love these compilation books – and this book is no exception. They have selected 19 projects that use the flying geese unit in contemporary and sometimes unconventional ways!

Here is just a taste of what is inside:

This book is due to arrive this month. And, from big to little, there is something for everyone!

Strip Quilt Secrets with Style

Posted on March 7, 2019 by Penny Haren

Strip Quilt Secrets by Diane D. Knott showcases five different techniques in fifteen different projects!

Use leftover precuts or cut up your stash – either way these stunning quilts will become heirlooms.

This is just a sampling of the projects inside. Strips never looked so good! Start your creative journey today!

Jo Morton – Full Size

Posted on February 4, 2019 by Penny Haren

We just got the info on Jo Morton’s new book this week. It isn’t due to arrive until the beginning of June but order it now so you don’t forget!

If the cover is any indication, you will love it! This is what the publishers say:

Elegant, timeless, traditional, and beautiful–that’s the magic Jo Morton brings to the quilts she creates. This latest collection of patterns captures Jo working in a larger scale, with quilts for displaying, draping, and cuddling too. Find fresh twists on quilt-block favorites, from Wild Goose Chase and Kansas Troubles to the humble Nine Patch. Packed with smart tips for choosing fabrics, piecing by hand, pressing for success, sewing triangles, and much more, quilters will love visiting Jo’s captivating world, where vintage is always in style.

I can’t wait to see what’s inside!

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